Godzilla
Movie, 1998, Hollywood, Set in New York
Godzilla is #23 of 35 in release order and #23 of 35 in chronological order in the Godzilla.
The story
French nuclear tests irradiate an iguana into a giant monster that viciously attacks freighter ships in the Pacific Ocean. A team of experts, including Niko Tatopoulos, conclude that the oversized reptile is the culprit. Before long, the giant lizard is loose in Manhattan as the US military races to destroy the monster before it reproduces and it's spawn takes over the world.
Godzilla recap
French nuclear tests in French Polynesia mutate an iguana, and a creature sinks a Japanese ship and leaves giant footprints across Panama. The US government recruits Nick Tatopoulos, a scientist studying the effects of radiation on worms, who works out that the animal is heading for New York. Godzilla lands in Manhattan and the military tries to bring it down with bombs and missiles, mostly hitting the city. Nick discovers Godzilla is pregnant, reproducing asexually, and has laid a nest of eggs. His ex-girlfriend Audrey Timmonds, a would-be reporter, steals his secret tape and broadcasts it, and he is fired. Philippe Roache, an agent of the French secret service covering for his country's tests, recruits Nick to find the nest. They track it to Madison Square Garden, where more than 200 eggs hatch.
Godzilla ending explained
The air force bombs Madison Square Garden to kill the babies, and Godzilla, tangled in the Brooklyn Bridge cables, dies after a barrage of missiles. Nick, Audrey, Roache and the camera operator Animal escape the arena before the strike. In the final shot, one egg left in the ruins hatches. That surviving creature later returns as Zilla in Godzilla: Final Wars.
Post-credits scenes
No. There is no post-credits scene.
Where to watch Godzilla
Godzilla isn't on a US streaming service right now. You can rent or buy it on Amazon, Apple TV, and Google Play.
Ratings
IMDb 5.5/10, Rotten Tomatoes 20%
Where it fits
- Release order: after Godzilla vs. Destoroyah, before Godzilla 2000: Millennium.
- Chronological order: after Godzilla vs. Destoroyah, before Godzilla 2000: Millennium.
What to watch before Godzilla
Nothing. Godzilla (1998) doesn't continue an earlier version, so it stands on its own. Godzilla itself is optional in the Godzilla order.
Cast
- Matthew Broderick as Dr. Niko Tatopoulos
- Jean Reno as Philippe Roaché
- Maria Pitillo as Audrey Timmonds
- Hank Azaria as Victor 'Animal' Palotti
- Kevin Dunn as Colonel Hicks
- Michael Lerner as Mayor Ebert
- Harry Shearer as Charles Caiman
- Arabella Field as Lucy Palotti
- Vicki Lewis as Dr. Elsie Chapman
- Doug Savant as Sergeant O'Neal
- Malcolm Danare as Dr. Mendel Craven
- Lorry Goldman as Gene, Mayor's Aide
Directed by Roland Emmerich.